Vl'V 


5^  ,  ^     ^'' 


FROM   THE   LIBRARY  OF 


REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.  D.  D. 


BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


PSALMODY 


SERMOxV 


ON  LORD'S  DAY,  SECOND  MARCH,  182?; 


THE    PACIFICK   CONGREGATIONAL   IVIEETINGHOUSE, 


BY  REV.  THOMAS  WILLIAMS. 


PROVIDENCE  : 
JOHN    MILLLR,    PRINTER. 


Providence,  March  3,  1823. 
Having  been  requested  to  give  my  opinion  respecting  a  Ser- 
mon on  Psalmody,  preached  on  Lord's  Day,  March  2d,  1823,  by  the 
Rev.  Thomas  Williams,  1  do  not  hesitate  to  recommend  it  to  the  pe- 
rusal of  all  persons,  who  feel  at  all  interested  in  that  most  inoportant 
and  pleasing  part  of  Divine  Worship  ;  and  1  hope  it  may  be  a  means 
of  exciting  a  more  general  attention  to  a  subject,  which  has  been 
too  much  neglected,  throughout  our  country. 

M.  NOYES. 


Providence,  March  3,  1823. 
Having  heard  the  Sermon,  which  is  mentioned  in  the  prece- 
ding recommendation  by  Mr.  Noyes,  I  entirely  concur  with  him  in 
his  opinion  respecting  it.  And  I  am  particularly  desirous  that  all 
persons,  who  are  favoured  with  the  privilege  of  singing  sacred  songs 
in  the  publick  and  social  worship  of  God,  may  give  the  Sermon  a 
thorough  and  faithful  perusal.  I  am  also  desirous  that  it  may  receive 
from  religious  congregations  in  this  vicinity,  the  attention  which  the 
importance  of  the  subject  of  which  the  Sermon  treats,  demands. 

OLIVER  SHAW. 


siBm®i!r« 


I.    CHRONICLES,    XXV.  7. 


So  the  number  of  them^  with  their  brethren^  that  were  instructed  in  the 
9ongs  of  the  Lord,  even  all  that  were  cunnings  was  two  hundred 
four  score  and  eight. 

The  knowledge  and  practice  of  musick  have  existed 
in  all  ages  and  nations.  Vocal  musick,  it  is  pro.bable, 
preceded  the  musick,  that  is  performed  by  instru- 
ments. Yet  instrumental  musick  was  a  very  early  in- 
vention. For  of  Jubal,  the  son  of  Lamech,  it  is  writ- 
ten, "  He  was  the  father  of  all  such,  as  handle  the 
harp  and  organ."  The  importance  of  musick  and  po- 
etry, w^hich  have  an  intimate  connection,  is  evident 
from  the  general  opinions  and  practices  of  mankind. 
These  arts  have  a  happy  and  powerful  influence  upon 
all  their  social  affections,  interests  and  enjoyments. 
By  one  of  the  most  acute  and  exact  observers  of  hu- 
man characters  and  manners,  "  The  man  that  has  no 
musick  in  his  soul,"  is  declared  to  be  unworthy  of  con- 
fidence and  unfit  for  society.  And  in  the  scriptures 
the  man,  who  was  eminently  distinguished  for  the  sin- 
cerity, ardency,  and  sublimity  of  his  devout  and  social 
affections,  is  called  "  the  sweet  psalmist  of  Israel." 
Under  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  he  composed,  in 
sacred  songs,  a  large  portion  of  the  scriptures,  for  the 
instruction  and  edification  of  the  people  of  God  during 
successive  generations.  From  his  experimental  ac- 
quaintance w^ith  the  happy  influence  of  sacred  musick, 
he  was  induced  to  make  the  most  zealous  exertions  to 
awaken  and  engage  his  fellow-creatures,  to  sing  praises 
unto  God.  In  his  preparations  for  the  erection  and 
services  of  the  temple,  he  was  attentive  and  careful  to 


have  a  large  number  of  persons  instructed  in  the  songs 
of  the  Lord.  From  our  text,  it  appears,  that  the  num- 
ber, who  were  thoroughly  instructed  in  sacred  mu- 
sick,  and  were  pecuHarly  skilled  in  the  songs  of  the 
Lord,  was  no  less  than  two  hundred  and  eighty-eight. 
In  the  instruction  and  employment  of  such  a  number 
of  persons  for  the  purpose  of  praising  God  in  the  pub- 
lick  services  of  the  temple,  the  devout  psalmist  was 
influenced  by  the  wisest  and  best  motives.  This  large 
number  of  singers  were  so  well  instructed  in  sacred 
musick,  that  they  became  w  ise  and  able  performers  of 
the  songs  of  the  Lord.  "  The  number  of  them  with 
their  brethren,  that  were  instructed  in  the  songs  of 
the  Lord,  even  all,  that  w^ere  cunning,  was  two  hun- 
dred, fourscore  and  eight."  So  large  a  number  were 
so  thoroughly  instructed  in  sacred  musick,  that  they 
were  discreet  and  judicious  in  the  performance  of 
the  songs  of  the  Lord,  in  the  congregation  of  his  peo- 
ple. Besides  these  two  hundred  and  eighty-eight  per- 
sons, who  were  distinguished  for  their  attainments  in 
sacred  musick,  there  were  four  thousand  other  per- 
sons who  were  appointed  and  employed,  by  the  devout 
king  of  Israel,  in  the  same  noble  and  divine  service. 
For  it  is  written — '^  four  thousand  praised  the  Lord 
with  the  instruments,  which  I  made,  said  David,  to 
praise  therewith.  And  David  divided  them  into 
courses,  among  the  sons  of  Levi."  And  it  is  probable, 
that  frequently  in  the  religious  solemnities  of  the  tem- 
ple, this  large  number  were  at  once  united  and  en- 
gaged with  all  the  powers  of  musical  instruments,  and 
of  well  toned  voices,  in  the  praises  of  the  ever  blessed 
God.  The  words  of  our  text  naturally  suggest  the 
following  sentiment — It  is  highly  important,  that,  in 
religious  congregations,  a  large  number  should  be  in- 
structed in  sacred  songs.  To  illustrate  this  sentiment 
it  is  proposed, 

I.  To  show  in  what  respects,  they,  who  sing  sacred 
songs  in  religious  congregations,  need  instruction;  and 

II.  To  show  why  it  is  highly  important,  that,  in  re- 
ligious congregations,  a  large  number  should  be  in- 
structed in  sacred  songs. 


It  is  proposed, 

I.  To  show  in  what  respects,  they,  who  sing  sacred 
songs  in  religious  congregations,  need  instruction. 

The  science  of  sounds  forms  a  very  important  and 
curious  branch  of  natural  philosophy.  This  science 
is  the  foundation  of  instrumental  and  vocal  musick. 
In  order  to  understand  the  theory  of  musick,  persons 
must  be  acquainted  with  such  philosophical  and  math- 
ematical principles,  as  lay  the  foundation  for  the  art  of 
musick.  But  to  the  practice  of  musick,  a  knowledge 
of  its  scientifick  principles  is  not  necessary.  Yet  in- 
struction, in  several  respects,  is  necessary  to  the  prac- 
tice of  musick.  And  they,  who  engage  in  the  impor- 
tant duty  of  singing  sacred  songs  in  religious  congre- 
gations, need  to  be  so  instructed,  as  to  be  able  to  per- 
form this  divine  service  with  propriety,  decency  and 
devotion.  That  they  may  so  perform  this  service,  it 
is  necessary  that  they  should  be  instructed  in  the  fol- 
lowing respects. 

1 .  They  need  to  be  instructed  in  the  rudiments  of 
sacred  musick.  These  rudiments  respect  the  whole 
practice  of  sacred  songs.  Unless  they  be  thoroughly 
and  famiharly  understood,  singers  cannot  perform 
their  services  with  correctness  and  confidence.  They, 
who  are  deficient  in  the  knowledge  of  the  rudiments  of 
musick,  must  lean  on  other  persons  in  their  perform- 
ances. When  singers,  generally,  adopt  this  impro- 
per method,  they  cannot  sing  with  unity,  firmness  and 
strength.  The  principles  of  musick  ought  not  to  be 
neglected,  when  learners  are  able  to  enter  upon  the 
practice  of  psalmody.  For  it  is  in  this  practice  that 
they  can  perceive  the  application  of  principles.  In  the 
whole  practice  of  psalmody,  the  first  principles  of  mu- 
sick ought  to  be  kept  before  the  scholars.  Being  con- 
stantly, thoroughly  and  familiarly  instructed  in  the  ru- 
diments of  sacred  musick,  they  would  lay  a  proper 
foundation  for  becoming  wise  and  skilful  in  the  songs 
of  the  Lord. 

2.  They,  who  sing  sacred  songs,  need  instruction  in 
respect  to  the  modulation  of  their  voices.  Vocal 
powers  constitute  one  of  the  highest  and  noblest  gifts 


of  God  to  human  beings.  The  tongue,  or  the  power 
of  speech,  is  justly  called  the  glory  of  the  human  frame. 
The  voice  is  a  powerful  and  useful  instrument.  When 
it  is  cultivated  and  employed  in  sacred  songs,  it  pro- 
duces its  highest  and  best  effect.  But  little  care  is  ta- 
ken in  common  speech  to  model  and  form  the  voice, 
so  as  to  convey,  in  the  best  manner,  the  ideas,  that  are 
to  be  expressed;  or  to  produce  proper  and  pleasant 
sensations  in  the  hearers.  Yet  the  human  voice  is  ca- 
pable of  an  admirable  improvement  in  regard  to  its 
modulations.  And  its  improvement  in  this  respect  de- 
mands the  highest  attention,  for  the  proper  perform- 
ance of  sacred  musick.  Sacred  songs  express  every 
possible  variety  of  sentiments  and  affections.  To  be 
sung  with  propriety,  the  voices  of  the  singers  must  be 
so  modulated,  as  to  become  very  extensive  and  flexi- 
ble in  the  compass  and  variety  of  their  tones.  In  re- 
spect to  the  movement  and  quantity  of  voice,  that  are 
requisite  in  sacred  songs,  there  are  various  degrees. 
Slowness,  quickness,  loudness,  softness,  pathos,  gran- 
deur, beauty  and  spirit  in  singing  sacred  songs,  require 
that  the  voice  be  as  a  well  formed  and  a  vvell  tuned  in- 
strument. Unless  the  voices  of  singers  be  well  tuned 
and  flexible  and  various  in  their  modulations,  it  is  impos- 
sible to  adapt  their  tones  to  the  immense  variety  of 
sentiments  and  affections,  that  are  expressed  in  sa- 
cred songs.  Yet,  with  proper  instruction,  the  human 
voice  is  capable  of  unbounded  improvement  in  regard 
to  its  modulations.  And,  in  this  respect,  they  who 
sing  sacred  songs,  do  need  constant,  able  and  faithful 
instruction. 

3.  They,  who  sing  sacred  songs  in  religious  congre- 
gations, need  instruction  respecting  the  proper  per- 
formance of  psalmody.  Persons  may  be  acquainted 
with  the  rudiments  of  sacred  musick  and  have  power- 
ful and  pleasant  voices;  and  yet  have  httle  knowledge 
and  discretion  respecting  the  proper  method  of  sing- 
ing sacred  songs.  In  the  performance  of  psalmody  it 
is,  undoubtiedly,  the  governing  consideration,  that  the 
musick  be  subservient  to  the  proper  expression  of  the 
sentiments.     Such  an  expression  of  sentiment  is  a  difli- 


cult  attainment,  and  never  can  be  perfectly  performed 
by  imperfect  creatures.  But  so  far  as  tliis  object  i§  not 
pursued  and  attained,  the  musick  is  defective.  To 
arrest  and  fix  the  attention  of  singers  upon  the  senti- 
ments of  sacred  songs,  is  the  distinguishing  excellence 
Oi  skih'ul  teachers  in  sacred  musick.  That  teachers 
and  learners  may  acquire  the  chief  beauty  in  musical 
performance,  they  must  possess  a  clear  and  thorough 
perception  of  divine  subjects  and  sentiments,  and  a  ten- 
der and  delicate  sensibility  in  regard  to  the  import 
and  spirit  of  sacred  songs.  In  the  principal  excel- 
lence and  beauty  of  musical  performance,  which  con- 
sist in  the  proper  expression  of  sentiment,  singers  with 
suitable  instruction  and  attention,  can  make  constant 
progress.  But  to  make  such  progress,  in  the  present 
state  of  sacred  musick  in  this  couiitry,  singers  do  great- 
ly need  able  and  correct  instruction  respecting  the 
proper  pertbrmance  of  psalmody. 

4.  They,  who  sing  sacred  songs  in  religious  congrega- 
tions, need  instruction  respecting  their  own  behaviour 
in  this  important  service.  Their  views,  feelings  and 
actions  ought  to  accord  with  the  dignity  and  impor- 
tance of  the  part  they  perform  in  the  pubhck  services 
of  religion.  They,  then,  who  sing  sacred  songs,  ought 
to  guard  themselves  against  a  stupid  and  thoughtless 
spirit.  Attention,  reverence  and  devotion  should 
mark  their  whole  conduct.  A  solemn  impression  of 
divine  sentiments  upon  their  words,  and  the  Hvely  ex- 
ercise of  holy  affections  in  their  hearts,  will  render 
their  songs  of  praise  pleasant  to  their  holy  Creator; 
and  will  serve  to  awaken  the  attention  and  engage  the 
feelings  of  the  whole  assembly,  to  their  spiritual  inter- 
ests. Decent  and  devout  conduct  in  singers,  will  give 
a  charm  of  beauty  and  glory  to  their  musical  perform- 
ances. Such  conduct  will  render  this  divine  employ- 
ment always  pleasant  and  useful  to  themselves.  It 
will  secure  the  enjoyment  of  the  peculiar  presence 
and  favour  of  the  living  and  true  God.  If  they,  who 
sing  sacred  songs,  will  be  careful  to  sing  with  grace 
in  their  hearts  to  the  Lord,  as  he  requires  Kis  praises 
to  be  sung,  their  whole  appearance  and  conduct   in 


this  divine  and  exalted  service,  will  be  devout  and 
lovely.  Proper  behaviour  in  singers  is  a  religious 
duty.  And  they  ought  to  desire  and  receive  and 
obey  instruction  respecting  what  is  devout  and  decent 
in  their  own  behaviour ;  while  they  are  engaged  in 
singing  the  high  praises  of  the  most  high  God. 

5.  They,  who  sing  sacred  songs  in  religious  congre- 
gations, need  to  be  instructed  in  respect  to  the  objects, 
that  are  to  be  accomplished  by  the  performance  of  this 
duty.  These  objects  are  nothing  less  than  the  objects 
that  are  to  be  accomplished  by  the  other  services, 
which  God  appoints  and  requires  in  the  gospel  of  his 
grace.  Sacred  musick,  when  it  is  performed  with 
propriety,  is  a  very  powerful  and  happy  means  of  pro- 
moting the  great  and  good  ends,  that  God  regards  and 
pursues  in  his  other  requirements. 

One  object  of  sacred  musick  is  the  promotion  of  the 
spiritual  benefit  of  the  singers  themselves.  This  part 
of  divine  worship  is  suited  to  impress  the  minds  and 
affect  the  hearts  of  the  singers,  in  respect  to  the  great 
doctrines  and  duties  and  enjoyments  of  the  christian 
religion.  They,  who  rightly  sing  sacred  songs,  will, 
by  this  service  greatly  promote  their  religious  instruc- 
tion, their  holiness  and  happiness.  As  a  means  of 
filHng  their  minds  with  divine  truth,  the  apostle  en- 
joins upon  christians  the  duty  of  psalmody.  He  says, 
"  Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly  in  all  wis- 
dom ;  teaching  and  admonishing  one  another  in 
psalms  and  hymns  and  spiritual  songs,  singing  with 
grace  in  your  hearts  to  the  Lord."  And  to  excite  and 
maintain  the  exercise  of  holy  affections  he  enjoins  the 
same  duty.  He  says — "•  Be  filled  with  the  spirit ;  sing- 
ing to  yourselves  in  psalms  and  hymns  and  spiritual 
songs,  singing  and  making  melody  in  your  hearts  to  the 
Lord."  In  singing  sacred  songs,  singers  ought  always 
to  aim  at  the  promotion  of  their  own  spiritual  interests 
and  enjoyments. 

Another  object  of  sacred  musick  is  the  promotion  of 
the  spiritual  interests  of  the  religious  assembly.  Sa- 
cred musick  is  designed  and  suited  toengagethe  atten- 
tion and  excite  the  affections  of  those,  who  hear,as  well 


9 

as  of  those,  who  sing  psalms  and  hymns  and  sacred 
songs.  Psalmody  should  be  so  performed,  as  to  turn 
and  raise  the  hearts  of  the  whole  assembly  from  them- 
selves to  their  holy  Creator ;  and  from  the  vain  and 
transient  objects  of  this  world  to  the  important  and 
eternal  realities  of  the  future  state.  Singers  ought  to 
desire  and  labour  to  promote  the  instruction  and  de- 
votion, the  holiness  and  salvation  of  all  the  congrega- 
tion with  whom  they  assemble  for  religious  worship. 
They  ought  to  sing  sacred  songs  in  such  a  manner 
as  is  suited  to  impress  the  minds  of  all  who  hear  their 
voices  with  divine  sentiments  and  to  awaken  in  their 
hearts  the  lively  and  vigourous  exercise  of  holy  and 
joyful  affections.  It  is  certainly  one  great  object  of 
psalmody  to  promote  the  spiritual  and  eternal  interests 
of  all  the  members  of  a  religious  congregation. 

It  is  another  proper  object  of  sacred  musick  to  assist 
the  other  services  of  religious  congregations.  The 
subjects  of  sacred  songs  are  the  same  subjects,  on 
which  God  gives  us  instruction  by  Moses  and  the  pro- 
phets, by  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  and  the  apostles.  Sa- 
cred singing  affords  assistance  in  regard  to  the  ob- 
jects that  are  to  be  answered  by  the  publick  reading 
of  the  scriptures.  It  also  affords  assistance  in  respect 
to  the  ministry  of  the  gospel.  It  not  only  relieves  the 
ministers  of  the  gospel  in  respect  to  their  laborious 
services,  but  it  serves  to  animate,  to  encourage,  and 
strengthen  their  hearts.  And  it  conveys  to  the  minds  of 
the  hearers  the  very  instructions  that  are  illustrated 
and  enforced  by  religious  teachers  in  their  publick  dis- 
courses. Nor  is  the  importance  of  sacred  musick  to 
be  disregarded  in  respect  to  the  duty  of  social  prayer. 
The  proper  design  and  effect  of  this  great  duty  and 
precious  privilege  is  greatly  promoted  by  decent  and 
devout  psalmody.  Indeed,  a  large  portion  of  our 
psalms  and  hymns  and  sacred  songs  are  nothing  differ- 
ent in  regard  to  sentiment  and  spirit  from  the  best  forms 
of  prayer.  They  consist  in  a  great  degree  of  direct 
addresses  and  petitions  to  the  Supreme  Being  for  di- 
vine favours.  Psalmody  then  is  an  important  and  bene- 
2 


10 

iicial  assistance  to  the  other  services  of  religious  con- 
gregations. And  it  combines  the  benefits  of  all  the 
other  services  of  reHgious  assemblies. 

Another  object  of  psalmody  is  to  promote  the  glory 
of  God.  This  duty  is  of  divine  appointment,  and  it 
has  a  peculiar  reference  to  the  divine  glory.  For  in 
this  duty  the  perfections,  designs  and  works  of  God  are 
to  be  celebrated  with  our  noblest  powers.  It  is  to  the 
Lord  that  we  are  required  to  sing.  It  is  written  "  sing 
unto  the  Lord,  Oye  saints  of  his,  and  give  thanks  at  the 
remembrance  of  his  holiness."  And  again  "  sing  unto 
God,  ye  kingdoms  of  the  earth  ;  O  sing  praises  unto 
the  Lord."  And  again,  '*•  sing  aloud  unto  God  our 
strength ;  make  a  joyful  noise  unto  the  God  of  Jacob." 
And  again,  "  O  come,  let  us  sing  unto  the  Lord  ;  let 
us  make  a  joyful  noise  to  the  rock  of  our  salvation. 
Let  us  come  before  his  presence  with  thanksgiving  and 
make  a  joyful  noise  unto  him  with  psalms."  And  ag-^n, 
"  sing  unto  him,  sing  psalms  unto  him  ;  talk  ye  of  all  his 
wonderous  works."  It  is  to  God  that  psalms  and 
hymns  and  sacred  songs  are  to  be  sung  in  the  assem- 
blies of  his  people.  And  it  is  the  great  object  of 
psalmody  to  praise  and  worship  and  exalt  the  only  liv- 
ing and  true  God.  And  God  has  been  pleased  to  say, 
"  Whoso  offereth  praise  glorifieth  me."  The  holy  and 
blessed  inhabitants  of  heaven  can  perform  no  service, 
that  is  better  suited  to  promote  the  glory  of  their  God 
and  Saviour,  than  the  divine  employment  of  raising 
their  hearts  and  voices  in  singing  songs  of  praise.  In 
their  ceaseless  songs,  they  say  unto  God,  "  thou  art 
worthy,  O  Lord,  to  receive  glory  and  honour  and 
power  ;  for  thou  hast  created  all  things  and  for  thy 
pleasure  they  are  and  were  created."  And  again  they 
sing  ^*  blessing  and  honour  and  glory  and  pow:er  be 
unto  him  thatsitteth  on  the  throne  and  unto  the  Lamb 
for  ever  and  ever."  In  the  noblest  services  of  heaven 
saints  and  angels  are  forever  and  ever  employed  in 
singing  praises  to  the  holy  Creator  and  gracious  Re- 
deemer. And  to  render  praise  and  give  glory  to  God 
and  the  Saviour  is  the  highest  object  of  singing  sacred  ^ 


11 

songs  in  religious  assemblies  on  earth.  They,  who  sing 
saered  songs,  ought  to  be  instructed  in  respect  to  these 
great  objects,  that  are  to  be  proposed  and  accom- 
plished by  this  divine  and  exalted  service. — It  is  now 
proposed, 

IL  To  show  why  it  is  highly  important,  that,  in  re- 
ligious congregations,  a  large  number  should  be  in- 
structed in  sacred  songs. 

In  our  text,  it  is  written  "so  the  number  of  them, 
with  their  brethren,  that  were  instructed  in  the  songs 
of  the  Lord,  even  all  that  were  cunning,  was  two  hun- 
dred, fourscore  and  eight."  Besides  these  hundreds  of 
accompHshed  singers,  there  were  in  the  days  of  David, 
four  thousand  other  musicians,  that  were  appointed 
and  employed  to  praise  the  Lord  in  the  services  of  his 
temple.  And  if  it  were  then  important,  that  so  large 
a  number  should  be  instructed  and  employed  in  sacred 
songs,  it  is  doubtless  highly  important,  at  the  present 
time,  that  in  every  religious  congregation,  there  should 
be  a  numerous  company  of  instructed  and  skilful  per- 
formers in  sacred  musick.  And  its  importance  may  be 
evident  from  the  following  considerations. 

1.  None,  but  they,  who  are  instructed  in  sacred 
songs,  are  prepared  to  obey  God  in  one  of  the  most 
important  of  his  requirements.  That  all  persons  fere 
required  to  serve,  to  praise  and  honour  God  in  sacred 
songs,  is  abundantly  evident  from  the  scriptures.  It  is 
writteix,  "  sing  unto  God,  ye  kingdoms  of  the  earth;  O, 
sing  praises  unto  the  Lord."  Again,  "  sing  unto  the 
Lord  a  new  song :  sing  unto  the  Lord  all  the  earth." 
And  again,  "  kings  of  the  earth  and  all  people  ;  prin- 
ces and  all  judges  of  the  earth  ;  both  youiig  men  and 
maidens  ;  old  men  and  children;  let  them  praise  the 
name  of  the  Lord  ;  for  his  name  alone  is  excellent ;  his 
glory  is  above  the  earth  and  heaven."  And  yet  again, 
"  praise  ye  the  Lord,  for  it  is  good  to  sing  praises  unto 
our  God  ;  for  it  is  pleasant  and  praise  is  comely."  It 
is  then  certain  that  the  duty  of  psalmody  is  particularly 
and  urgently  required  of  all  persons  in  the  word  of 
God.    And  in  this  duty  he  is  to  be  obeyed  and  honour- 


12 

ed  in  every  religious  congregation.  And  does  not  the 
obligation  to  obey  God  in  this  duty  lie  upon  the  whole 
congregation  ?  Is  it  not  extremely  offensive  in  the 
sight  of  God,  when  the  greater  number  of  his  profess- 
ed worshippers  do,  publickly,  before  his  face,  disre- 
gard and  disobey  one  of  his  most  pleasant  and  impor- 
tant requirements  ?  It  is  the  opinion  and  confession  of 
the  protestant  churches  as  well  as  of  the  ablest  and 
best  divines,  that  the  whole  congregation  ought  to 
unite  in  the  duty  of  psalmody.  Their  confession  on 
this  subject  is  as  follows  :  "  the  whole  congregation 
should  be  furnished  with  books  and  ought  to  join  in  this 
part  of  worship."  But  they,  who  are  not  instructed  in 
sacred  songs,  are  not  prepared  to  obey  God  in  this 
divine  and  exalted  employment.  It  is  then  as  impor- 
tant that  religious  congregations  should  be  instructed 
in  sacred  musick,  as  it  is,  that  they  should  obey  and 
worship  God  in  their  publick  services. 

2.  They,  who  are  not  instructed  in  sacred  songs,  do 
not  actively  unite  in  any  part  of  the  publick  services 
of  religion.  Psalmody  is  the  only  part  of  social  wor- 
ship, in  which  any  number  of  persons  can,  at  once,  be 
actively  united  and  engaged  with  decency  and  order. 
They,  who  do  not  perform  this  duty,  come  before  God 
and  yet  present  no  offering,  by  their  active  services. 
They  do  not  properly  take  any  part  in  his  worship. 
The  members  of  a  religious  assembly  cannot,  generally, 
take  an  active  part  in  the  duty  of  prayer,  nor  in  read- 
ing the  scriptures,  nor  in  giving  instruction  by  doctrine, 
or  reproof  or  exhortation.  But  all  the  members  of  a 
religious  assembly,  however  numerous,  if  they  were  in- 
structed and  prepared  for  the  service,  might  at  once 
unite  their  hearts  and  voices,  in  singing  psalms  and 
hymns  and  sacred  songs  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  God 
and  to  their  own  instruction  and  edification.  It  is  ex- 
tremely unpleasant  and  burdensome  to  see  any  num- 
ber in  a  religious  congregation,  that  take  no  active 
part  in  the  worship  of  God.  In  the  congregation  of 
Israel,  the  whole  multitude  were  accustomed  to  unite 
in  the  duty  of  psalmody.     The  hundreds,  that  were 


13 

thoroughly  instructed  in  the  songs  of  the  Lord,  were 
teachers  and  leaders  in  sacred  musick.  The  thou- 
sands, that  praised  God  with  instruments,  were  appoint- 
ed and  arranged  in  order  for  this  divine  employment. 
But  the  ten  thousands  of  Israel,  raised  and  joined  their 
voices  in  sacred  songs,  when  the  select  and  appointed 
musicians  began  this  delightful  service.  Since  ten 
thousand  times  ten  thousand  and  thousands  of  thou- 
sands may  unite  with  all  their  powers  of  heart  and 
tongue  in  sacred  songs  ;  and  since  this  is  the  only  part 
of  social  worship,  in  which  any  number  of  persons  can 
be  actively  engaged  in  religious  congregations,  it  is 
highly  important  that  a  great  number  in  every  religious 
congregation,  should  be  instructed  in  psalmody  and 
should  unite  in  this  delightful  and  useful  duty. 

3.  Without  a  large  number  of  singers,  sacred  songs 
cannot  be  sung  in  religious  congregations  with  the 
highest  propriety.  The  very  design  of  psalmody 
seems  to  require,  that  a  great  number  should  unite  in 
this  duty.  And  it  appears  to  be  in  some  degree  inde- 
cent and  improper,  that  any  number  of  persons  should 
be  silent  in  the  publick  worship  of  God,  when  his  prai- 
ses are  sung.  Besides,  the  highest  effect  of  sacred 
musick  cannot  be  attained  without  a  large  number  of 
singers.  When  only  a  few  are  engaged  in  the  service, 
the  difference  between  their  voices  is  very  perceptible 
and  very  disagreeable.  But  when  a  multitude  unite 
in  sacred  songs,  no  one  voice  can  obtrude  itself  into 
notice.  Then  slighter  differences,  that  exist  in  the 
best  tuned  voices,  are  concealed.  It  may  also  be  ob- 
served, that  the  immense  dignity  of  the  objects,  that 
form  the  themes  of  sacred  songs,  require  the  highest 
animation  and  energy,  that  are  within  the  power  of 
created  beings.  A  small  number  of  singers  have  not 
sufficient  power  to  do  any  degree  of  justice  to  those 
subjects,  which  respect  the  eternal  and  infinite  perfec- 
tions of  the  Supreme  Being  and  his  marvellous  designs 
and  works  in  the  creation,  preservation  and  govern- 
ment of  the  universe.  In  view  of  the  immense  and 
exalted  subjects  of  sacred  song,  the  inspired  writers  of 


14 

the  hoij  scriptures,  summon  all  created  beings,  whe- 
ther rational  or  irrational,  whether  animate  or  in- 
animate, to  praise  and  extol  their  holy  and  blessed 
Creator.  Is  it  then  possible,  that  a  small  number  of 
singers  in  religious  congregations,  can  attain  and  effect 
the  noble  purposes  of  psalmody  !  The  high  praises  of 
God  demand  and  deserve  the  highest  efforts  of  the  mil- 
liotis  of  holy  and  happy  beings,  who  bow  before  his 
throne  in  heaven.  IN  or  can  his  praises  be  sung  on 
earth  with  the  highest  propriety,  unless  a  multitude 
raise  their  hearts  and  their  voices  in  this  divine  em- 
ployment. 

4.  It  is  highly  important,  that,  in  religious  congrega- 
tions, a  large  number  should  be  instructed  in  sacred 
songs,  because  the  proper  performance  of  psalmody  is 
an  honourable  service.  This  service  in  respect  to  its 
design  and  effects  may  be  esteemed  truly  glorious. 
In  no  other  religious  duty  on  earth  do  human  beings 
so  nearly  imitate  the  multitude  of  the  heavenly  host  in 
their  employments  and  enjoyments.  The  great  object 
of  our  religious  services  on  earth  is  to  prepare  for  the 
society  and  communion  of  heaven.  And  it  is  the  honour 
and  joy  of  the  heavenly  myriads  to  praise  theirCreator 
in  sacred  songs.  Is  it  not  then  honourable  to  sing  praises 
unto  God  and  to  exalt  his  name  in  his  worship  on 
earth  ?  Would  not  a  creature  in  heaven  be  ashamed, 
if  his  tongue  and  heart  were  not  employed  ir/ singing  the 
high  praises  of  God  ? — If  the  employment  of  saints  and 
angels  in  heaven  be  honourable,  they,  who  sing  sacred 
songs  to  the  living  God  in  his  worship  on  earth,  are  ad- 
mitted to  the  highest  honour  they  can  receive  and  en- 
joy. If  the  proper  design  and  importance  of  psalm- 
ody were  seen  and  felt,  every  person,  who  was  silent 
in  religious  congregations,  while  sacred  songs  were 
sung,  would  be  ashamed  and  grieved  in  view  of  his  own 
conduct.  They  who  sing  sacred  songs,  perform  a  duty 
which  is  honourable  to  God  and  which  is  designed  to 
delare  his  glory  and  exalt  his  name.  Such  a  duty  is  in 
the  highest  degree  honourable  to  every  person  who 
performs  it  with  propriety.     And  it  is  honourable  to  a 


15 

religious  congregation  to  have  a  large  number  of  per« 
s  .  is,  who  are  thoroughly   instructed  and  skilful  in  the 

,  i<rs  of  the  Lord. — If  then  what  is  really  and  highly 

1  >.iourable  in  respect  to  individuals  and  religious  con- 

g;-egations  be  of  importance,  it  is  very  important,  that, 

iii  every  religious  congregation,  a  large  number  should 

be  instructed  in  sacred  songs.     Again, 

5.  The  effects  that  are  produced  by  a  large  number 
of  singers  in  religious  congregations,  are  highly  bene- 
ticial.  x\  muliilude  of  singers,  who  are  instructed  in 
sacred  songs,  will  remove  coldness  and  deadness  from 
an  assembly.  They  will  give  pathos,  beauty,  grandeur, 
and  strength  to  the  sacred  duties  of  religion.  They 
will  till  the  house  of  God  with  the  sublime  affections, 
which  the  devotions  of  the  Lord's  day  require.  They 
Will  give  a  charm  to  the  services  and  privileges 
of  diviue  worship.  If  sacred  songs  be  sung  by  a  large 
number  in  religious  congregations  with  decency  and 
devotion,  cliildren  and  youth  will  love  to  be  in  the 
house  of  God  on  his  holy  and  blessed  day.  The  so- 
cial and  pious  affections  of  the  assembly  will  be  excited 
and  maintai.ied.  And  what  is  the  most  powerful  of  all 
the  ordinances  which  God  has  appointed  for  the  spirit- 
ual and  eternal  interests  of  mankind,  will  be  enjoyed 
aiid  esteeai^^fJ.  If  any  part  of  divine  worship  will  cre- 
at*^  in  a  reiigious  assemby  a  desire  to  escape  the  end- 
less pains  ai  id  torments  of  hell,  and  to  obtain  the  end- 
less joy  and  glory  of  heaven';  the  voices  of  a  large 
number,  wiio  are  properly  instructed  in  sacred  songs, 
will  produce  this  great  and  happy  effect.  The  bene- 
ficial influence  of  psalmody  upon  a  religious  congrega- 
tion, when  a  large  number  are  instructed  in  the  songs 
of  the  Lord,  renders  it  highly  nnportant,  that  such  a 
nuuiber  should  be  prepared  to  sing  psalms  and  hymns 
and  sacred  songs  in  the  publick  worship  of  God. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

1 .  Since  it  is  highly  important,  that,  in  religious  con- 
gregations, a  large  number  should  be  instructed  in  sa- 


J6 

cred  songs,  such  congregations  ought  to  provide  the 
means  for  affording  instruction  in  sacred  musick.  The 
maintenance  and  promotioa  of  sacred  musick  is  as 
much  the  duty  of  religious  congregations  as  the  sup- 
port of  rehgious  teachers.  Psalmody  is  a  divine  ordi- 
nance as  well  as  the  ministry  of  the  gospel.  And  all 
the  members  of  a  religious  congregation  are  bound  by 
the  duty  they  owe  to  their  Creator,  their  fellow  crea- 
tures and  themselves  to  maintain  and  promote  the  de- 
cent and  devout  performance  of  psalmody.  This  im- 
portant concern  ought  not  to  be  left  to  the  voluntary 
and  occasional  contributions  of  a  small  number  of  per- 
sons. Such  contributions  are  commonly  made  by  the 
liberality  of  a  few  persons,  who  are  willing  to  do  more 
than  justice  demands.  It  is  doubtless  greatly  to  their 
honour  to  bestow  their  property  for  the  promotion  of 
sacred  musick.  But  it  is  the  duty  and  ought  to  be  ac- 
counted the  privilege  of  religious  congregations  to 
provide  liberally  and  regularly  for  instruction  in  the 
songs  of  the  Lord.  This  expense  ought  by  no  means 
to  be  with  the  singers.  In  a  discourse  on  the  subject 
of  psalmody  a  worthy  author,  who  is  now  in  the  grave, 
has  the  following  observations ;  "  Let  us  remember  that 
it  is  as  really  a  duty  to  support  this,  as  any  other  part 
of  publick  worship  ;  and  that  the  expense  of  preparing 
for  it,  ought  always  to  be  defrayed  by  the  community. 
They  who  prepare  themselves  to  perform,  have  to  pay, 
only  in  their  attendance  upon  the  schools,  a  very 
large  tax."  The  negligence  of  religious  congregations 
in  respect  to  the  support  of  sacred  musick  is  extreme- 
ly dishonourable  and  serves  to  chill  the  ardour  of 
singers  and  destroy  every  laudable  effort  for  the  pro- 
motion of  psalmody.  If  religious  congregations  would 
only  perform  an  easy  and  important  duty,  which  is  en- 
forced by  the  most  powerful  considerations,  they  would 
provide  suitable  instruction  in  sacred  musick.  And 
with  suitable  instruction  almost  any  congregation 
w^ould  furnish  hundreds  of  skilful  singers.  Nor  would 
the  spirit  and  performance  of  this  service  ever  decline. 
The  interest,  the  honour,  the  happiness  and  the  duty 


17 

of  religious  congregations  require,  that  they  should  fur- 
nish the  means  for  the  support  of  instruction  in  sacred 
musick. 

2.  If  instruction  in  sacred  songs,  be  necessary  in  so 
many  respects  and  such  instruction  be  so  important  in 
religious  congregations,  then  able  and  skilful  teachers 
in  sacred  musick  deserve  generous  encouragement  in 
their  services.  The  whole  congregation  ought  to  be 
moved  and  engaged  to  favour  their  exertions  and  pro- 
mote their  success  by  every  encouragement  and  assist- 
ance. They  ought  to  be  commended  to  God  in  prayer. 
And  prayer  to  God  ought  to  be  seconded  by  persua- 
ding as  many  as  possible  to  attend  upon  their  instruc- 
tions. They  ought  also  to  receive  a  liberal  and  cheer- 
ful compensation  for  their  services.  And  in  propor- 
tion to  their  ability,  faithfulness  and  success,  they 
should  be  esteemed  and  honoured  by  our  approbation 
and  gratitude.  No  person  can  be  a  skilful  and  faith- 
ful teacher  of  sacred  musick  without  a  good  degree  of 
information,  observation,  and  experience.  And  to  be 
successful  in  giving  instruction  in  the  songs  of  the  Lord, 
requires  diligent  attention  and  vigourous  exertions. 
Surely  then,  they  who  are  worthy  to  be  employed  in 
teaching  sacred  musick,  deserve  every  generous  en- 
couragement in  their  important  and  difficult  services. 

3.  If  it  be  important  to  have  a  large  number  of 
singers  in  religious  congregations,  then  no  person 
ought  to  withdraw  himself  from  this  service  without 
serious  and  decisive  reasons.  They,  who  once  engage 
in  this  duty,  ought  to  view  themselves  as  consecrated 
and  devoted  to  the  high  praises  of  God.  They  ought 
also  to  consider  that  they  have  publickly  taken  a  part 
in  his  worship ;  and  that  they  are  favoured  with  an 
opportunity  to  promote  the  highest  interests  of  a  reli- 
gious assembly.  To  withdraw^  from  such  a  serv  ice  and 
such  a  station  is  a  real  blemish  in  a  person's  character. 
— Besides,  it  is  hurtful  in  respect  to  other  singers. — 
And  is  it  not  disobedient  and  ungrateful  towards  God  ? 

4.  From  what  has  been  said  in  the  present  discourse 
it  appears,  that  they  who  engage  in  the  duty  of  psalm- 

3 


18 

ody,  ought  to  be  animated  and  strengthened  to  per- 
severe.— Difficulties  and  discouragements  they  will 
doubtless  experience. — They  may  lose  their  first  zeal 
and  fervour  in  this  duty. — They  may  see  their  compa- 
nions leave  their  places,  refuse  to  praise  God  in  sacred 
songs,  and  be  negligent  and  careless  respecting  their 
attendance  upon  puhlick  worship. — But  the  employ- 
ment is  too  excellent  and  important  to  be  neglected. 
They,  then,  who  have  once  raised  their  voices  in  sa- 
cred songs,  ought  to  be  animated  and  strengthened  to 
persevere  in  this  service,  until  their  vocal  powers  are 
silent  in  death. 

5.  Let  what  has  been  said,  in  the  present  discourse, 
be  applied  to  the  singers  in  this  congregation.  And 
surely  they  have  abundant  reason  to  be  joyful  and 
thankful  for  the  place  they  possess  and  the  part  they 
take  in  the  publick  worship  of  God.  And  that  you, 
respected  and  beloved  singers,  may  be  worthy  of  your 
place,  and  may  perform  your  part  with  propriety, 
still  seek  instruction  in  regard  to  the  divine  ordin- 
ance of  psalmody. — Let  your  judgment  and  your  taste 
respecting  sacred  musick  be  established  and  governed 
by  correct  and  solid  principles.  And  let  your  practice 
in  psalmody  be  under  the  influence  of  the  word  and 
spirit  of  the  living  God. — Be  careful  to  maintain  a  hve- 
ly  interest  in  the  duty  of  sacred  songs. — You  have  pe- 
culiar reasons  to  be  encouraged  and  animated  in  your 
happy  and  exalted  employment. — You  are  furnished 
with  as  choice  a  collection  of  musick  as  has  ever 
been  published  in  this  country. — You  have  the  best 
edition  of  psalms  and  hymns  andsacred  songs,  that  has 
been  known  to  be  published  in  the  English  language. 
The  circumstances  of  the  present  period  are  well  suit- 
ed to  awaken  your  attention  and  encourage  your  ex- 
ertions in  respect  to  sacred  musick.  At  the  present 
time  there  is  a  very  uncommon  attention  to  psalmody 
in  this  country,  and  very  important  improvements  are 
made  in  this  part  of  divine  worship. 

You  may  frequently  enjoy  opportunities  to  meet 
with  a  respectable  number  of  singers  from  other  con- 


19 

gregations  for  the  purpose  of  improvement  in  social 
musick.  And  remember  that  it  depends  greatly  upon 
your  own  conduct,  whether  psalmody  be  performed 
and  esteemed  according  to  its  importance  and  excel- 
lence in  this  religious  congregation. — Your  duty  to 
your  Creator,  your  fellow-creatures  and  to  yourselves 
require  you  to  be  attentive  and  faithful  in  singing  the 
high  praises  of  the  most  high  God.  And  may  you  be  so 
blessed  by  his  holy  presence  and  influeuce  in  his  wor- 
ship on  earth,  that  w  hen  your  voices  shall  be  silent  in 
death,  your  immortal  spirits  may  ascend  to  glory.  And 
there  may  you  be  united  and  blessed  with  the  great 
multitude,  which  no  man  can  number,  in  singing  the 
song,  which  none  can  learn  but  they  who  are  redeem- 
ed from  the  earth.  And  to  the  eternal  Jehovah,  the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Spirit,  be  all  the  praise  and 
all  the  glory  of  your  salvation  and  blessedness.  And 
permit  me  to  add,  though  it  may  seem  wholly  unwor- 
thy of  your  attention,  that  I  give  you  my  cordial  thanks 
for  the  relief  and  comfort,  assistance,  and  encourage- 
ment you  have  afforded  me  in  the  publick  services  of 
God  in  this  house  of  worship.  And  whenever  1  shall  see 
your  faces  and  hear  your  voices  no  more  in  this  house, 
may  God  bless  you  with  the  prayers  and  the  ministry 
of  a  more  wise,  holy,  faithful  and  successful  minister  of 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  And  to  his  great  and  holy  name 
be  the  praise  and  the  glory  for  ever.     Amen. 


.JK' 


^^■yi 


>0 


.>*'o 


'^^-^ 


;  *.V 


